Abstract: The invention relates to a direct-injection internal combustion engine that is operated in a first operating range associated with the low part load, with largely homogeneous combustion of the mixture and subsequent injection. Said internal combustion engine is operated in a second operating range associated with the middle part load, with low-temperature combustion of the mixture. In this way, minimum nitrogen oxide and soot emissions and a high degree of efficiency can be achieved both in the lower part load region and up to the full load region.

Abstract: A method for operating a direct injection diesel engine which is operated in a first operating region corresponding to low to medium partial load in such a way that fuel combustion takes place at a local temperature below the temperature of NOx formation and with a local air ratio above the limit value for soot formation, and where fuel injection starts in a range of between 50° to 5° crank angle before top dead center of the compression phase and where exhaust gas is recirculated at an exhaust gas recirculation rate of 50% to 70%. In order to achieve high efficiency in each operating region while keeping NOx and particulate emissions low, in a second operating region corresponding to medium partial load, fuel injection is started in a range from approximately 2° crank angle before top dead center to approximately 20° crank angle after top dead center.